Dance, traditional events, and celebrations in the streets
During the Carnival period, the Hora of Skyros is transformed into a huge stage of folk theatricality, where myths, symbols, and traditions coexist in an endless festival. The Skyros Carnival is one of the most authentic and ancient carnival celebrations in Greece and is reason enough to travel to the island. The sounds from the bells on the costumes and the traditional music create a Dionysian atmosphere that captivates the senses.
The focus is always the “Geros” (Old Man), the “Korela” (Maiden), and the “Frangos” (Frank/European), three emblematic characters who breathe life into a performance symbolising the cycle of nature and the power of rebirth.
In this unique phenomenon of folk tradition, follow the Geros, who dances non-stop, dressed in a goatskin and adorned with heavy bells, whose metallic sound symbolises the earth awakening. Dance along with the Korela, the girl who follows him dressed in a traditional white uniform, dancing with grace and symbolising spring and new life. Alongside them, the Frangos, in his European garments, adds a satirical note, reminding us of the social and cultural irony that characterises carnival traditions.
The carnival transformation of Skyros will lift your spirits: the alleyways fill with the sounds of zournades (pipes) and drums, while spontaneous revelries begin on every corner with wine, dancing, and singing.
The celebration culminates on the Saturday of the Tyrini (Cheese Week) with the “Pethameni” (Deceased Woman), a satirical ritual during which locals stage a funeral parody, adding humour and theatricality to the events.
Visit the traditional cafes and taverns of the Hora to sample traditional savoury and sweet delicacies, while the impromptu happenings last until late at night. On Skyros, Carnival is a celebration of life — and every clang of a bell is a call to dance!
The focus is always the “Geros” (Old Man), the “Korela” (Maiden), and the “Frangos” (Frank/European), three emblematic characters who breathe life into a performance symbolising the cycle of nature and the power of rebirth.
In this unique phenomenon of folk tradition, follow the Geros, who dances non-stop, dressed in a goatskin and adorned with heavy bells, whose metallic sound symbolises the earth awakening. Dance along with the Korela, the girl who follows him dressed in a traditional white uniform, dancing with grace and symbolising spring and new life. Alongside them, the Frangos, in his European garments, adds a satirical note, reminding us of the social and cultural irony that characterises carnival traditions.
The carnival transformation of Skyros will lift your spirits: the alleyways fill with the sounds of zournades (pipes) and drums, while spontaneous revelries begin on every corner with wine, dancing, and singing.
The celebration culminates on the Saturday of the Tyrini (Cheese Week) with the “Pethameni” (Deceased Woman), a satirical ritual during which locals stage a funeral parody, adding humour and theatricality to the events.
Visit the traditional cafes and taverns of the Hora to sample traditional savoury and sweet delicacies, while the impromptu happenings last until late at night. On Skyros, Carnival is a celebration of life — and every clang of a bell is a call to dance!
